Editorial

State investing in Honolua Bay’s future

May 19, 2016

There is good news for Honolua Bay coming out of the recently completed legislative session in Honolulu.

The newly passed state budget includes $500,000 for plans, design, construction and equipment for health, safety and public improvements at Lipoa Point at the majestic bay.

This is a welcome change from late last year, when the Save Honolua Coalition had to reach out to businesses to fund porta-potties and help pay for the area's insured caretaker.

We look forward to seeing what the coalition, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Aha Moku o Kaanapali and the local community envision to protect the bay area through long-term, sustainable, community-based management.

In the much more near future, join the Surfrider Foundation-Maui Chapter on Saturday, May 21, at Honolua Bay for its monthly beach cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon.

The group will meet at the surf access parking area at Lipoa Point. Pack a picnic lunch and bring a reusable water bottle; Surfrider will provide the rest.

Then at noon on Saturday, the community is invited to participate in "Hands Across the Sand" at Lipoa Point.

Surfrider noted in an e-mail, "Every year, thousands of individuals across the world join hands to support clean, renewable energy options. By creating a literal 'line in the sand,' the community is telling its leaders that enough is enough - no longer is it OK to continue our reliance on dirty fossil fuels.

"Hawaii is facing a particularly crucial time of change with the potential $4.3 billion takeover of Hawaii Energy by Florida-based NextEra, who has publicized plans to bring in LNG (liquefied natural gas) energy... Say YES to clean energy; NO to fossil fuels!"